< Back to Previous Page Importance of Medical Research on Birth Defects In New York The New York State Congenital Malformations Registry (NYS CMR) is the best statewide source of information about congenital malformations in children born or residing in NYS, and it is one of the largest statewide population-based birth defects registries in the nation. By monitoring reports, public health staff identify and investigate unusual patterns of congenital malformations throughout NYS and study suspected causes. Department of Health (DOH) staff also use the Registry to link children with services in their home communities. Registry information identifies the number of children with special needs in each area and is provided to communities in NYS to help them plan for and deliver services. The CMR publishes an annual Birth Cohort Report that summarizes malformations by type, by organ system and by county. The demographics of children with reported malformations are summarized. Comparisons are also made with birth defects in other states. This annual Report serves as a resource for health care programs and professionals providing preventive health care and delivery of services to affected children and their families. A number of health research studies using registry data have been published. A bibliography and copies of articles that use CMR data are available. Hospitals and physicians throughout NYS are required to report children born or living in NYS who have been diagnosed before two years of age with particular congenital malformations. The majority of reports in the Registry are sent by hospitals. The CMR Handbook, available to hospital medical records departments, lists the conditions that are reportable, as well as to whom and how to report. Prescription and over-the-counter medicines can have side effects on a developing fetus or pregnancy. For example, Accutane, a drug commonly prescribed for acne, can cause congenital malformations of the head, brain and face if taken early in pregnancy. Some antiseizure drugs can have adverse effects on the baby. All women should talk to their doctor before taking medicine during pregnancy.